Features: Scottish Clan Early Genealogy - Clan MacLaine

Motto: Vincere vel mori (To conquer or die)
Historic Seat: Moy Castle
District: Mull
Associated Surnames: MacFadzean, MacGilvra, MacIlvora, MacPhadden
Associated Tartans:

Early MacLaine Genealogy and History:
(Excerpt from "The Scottish Clans and Their Tartans", James Grant, 1906)

This ancient family sprang from Hector Reganach, brother of Lauchlan Lubanach, from whom descend the MacLeans of Duart; they were the sons of Eoin Dubh, or Black John, who was settled in the Island of Mull. Which of these brothers was the elder has never been properly authenticated, although this family has always claimed the seniority of Hector, who is believed to have married a lady of the clan MacLeod. The nominal possessions of the family were vast, viz., the lands of Lochiel, Duror, Morven, Glencoe, Tiree, Jura, Scarba, and Mull. The Castle of Lochbuie is in a good state of preservation, including the celebrated dungeon. The land adjacent to Lochbuie was owned by a chief named MacFadyean. Hector Reganach obtained permission from him to build a fortalice at the head of the loch on a high rock close to the sea. Availing himself of the advantage thus given him, he was soon able to add these lands to his own.

In course of time one of the chiefs of Lochbuie died, leaving his estates to his only son, Murdoch Gear, an infant. MacLean of Duart, thinking this a favourable opportunity for seizing the lands, invaded the territory of his young kinsman, who was only saved by being conveyed to Ireland. On attaining manhood he resolved to attempt the recovery of his estates, and with ten brave Irishmen set sail to Mull for that purpose. On arriving he was recognised by his nurse, who knew him from a mole on his breast. She caused her husband, who was door-keeper, to open the gate of the castle, when MacLaine rushed in, and was soon not only master of the castle, but estates also.

At a place between Lochbuie and Grulin the two branches of the clan fought a pitched battle. The MacLeans of Duart were defeated. Lochbuie when returning home after the battle fell in with Duart, who was sleeping along with some of his men; he drew his dirk and twisted it in the hair of his rival and then left him. When MacLean woke in the morning and found his hair fastened to the ground, he recognised the dirk, and the two families were friends ever after. The MacLaines served with Graham of Claverhouse, Viscount Dundee, and also under Montrose, with their kinsmen the MacLeans of Duart. Hector MacLaine of Lochbuie with 300 men on his march to join Dundee, was attacked by five troops of horse sent by the enemy to intercept him, under command of a major of MacKay's army. The parties encountered each other at a place called Knockbrek in Badenoch, and after a severe fight Lochbuie put the horse to flight and killed the commander, with the loss on the MacLaine's side of one ensign and some few private soldiers. Lochbuie joined Dundee next morning. This was the first blood shed for James's cause in Scotland.

There are some excellent Latin verses composed by Phillips of Annyscloss, a great Jacobite, on the Knockbreck engagement. Their names appear in Montrose's bond to unite the loyalty of the Highlands against the powers of Argyll, 1645. There is no doubt that the clans of Lochbuie and Duart were separate, having separate tartans and arms. With regard to the name, there is no record of the correct mode of spelling, as in manuscripts one comes across MacLeane, MacLean, MacLayne, MacLaine, etc.

The celebrated Sir Archibald MacLaine, K.T.¹, C.B.², etc. of Matagorda fame was a cadet of the House of Lochbuie, being one of the MacLaines of Sealasdale. The present chief is Murdoch Gillian MacLaine of Lochbuie, son of the late Donald MacLaine of Lochbuie, by Emilie, daughter of A. Vincent, Esquire.

(End excerpt)

Next page: Clan MacLaren

Footnotes:

¹ K.T.: Knight, The Most Ancient and Most Noble Order of the Thistle. Read more about the Order of the Thistle at Wikipedia.

² C.B.: Companion, The Most Honourable Order of the Bath. Read more about the Order of the Bath at Wikipedia.